Session 206 Award Ceremonies: Effective Practice,

Challenges and Pitfalls

Gillian Lindsey Oxford Brookes University

Nick AllenThe University of Northampton

So who are we? (1)• Gillian Lindsey– Assistant Academic Registrar and Head of

Graduation Office, Oxford Brookes University– Formerly University of York and Royal Holloway,

University of London– AUA member since 2002– Previously worked in hotels, culminating in role of

Associate Academic Director in a hotel school in Switzerland.

So who are we? (2)

• Nick Allen– Executive Officer, The University of Northampton– Formerly OU and SHU– AUA Member since 2002– Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Practice

graduate (PgCert)– Trustee and Chair of PgCert Board of Studies

Oxford Brookes University• 18,000 students (plus almost the same again in

collaborative programmes)• Three campuses in Oxford and a small campus in

Swindon• Modern university, recognised particularly for

Architecture, Building and Property Management; Nursing; Art & Design; Food Science.

• Multiple entry point during the academic year

The University of Northampton

• 14,000 students• Two campuses in Northampton• Particular recognition in fashion, teacher

education, waste management and leather technology

• Multiple entry points during the academic year

Oxford Brookes University Ceremonies• Attendance increased over years, due to higher number of awarded students:

• Overseas ceremonies organised with collaborative partners – inc. Kenya, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Poland, Hungary

Actual attendance on day 2008

Actual attendance on day 2009

Actual attendance on day 2010

Actual attendance on day 2011

3416 3529 3813 4159

Oxford Brookes University CeremoniesRecent changes following consultation with Students’ Union and student questionnaires:• Student priorities• Reduced from three ceremony occasions to two• Improving venues• Increased number of guests in main venue• Graduation package charge implemented• Additional funds for improvements

Student Priorities

Student Details

Changes

• Dropped April ceremonies – timing unpopular• Improve appearance of Main Hall • Improve external areas and graduation

marquee• Increase number of guests to three and

include in new package rate• Plan for new buildings

The University of Northampton Ceremonies

• Two ceremony periods a year• Increase in eligible attendees and actual

attendees (due to increase in student numbers)

Academic Year 2008/9 2009/10 2010/11

Eligible attendees 3,502 3,932 4,410

Actual attendees 2,101 2,364 2,695

The University of Northampton Ceremonies

Changes:• All ceremonies held in town centre theatre

(summer ceremonies were previously held on campus in a marquee);

• Split operation – campus (gowning and photography) and town (ceremony);

• Ticketing software trialled.

JISCMAIL list

• Running since May 2005• 140 members• Sign up at http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk

(search for Ceremonies)

Sharing Good Practice

• 25 August 2010, The University of Northampton

• Over 50 attendees from 29 higher education institutions

• Follow-up session at 2011 AUA Annual Conference

Some examples of recent topics on JISCMAIL:

• Allowing non-awarded students to attend ceremonies

• Procedure with latecomers• Online registration

Feedback from parallel groups

What next?

• Join the JISCMAIL list• Visit other institutions – find out how they do

it?

Thank you for attending